Module 2: Generate
Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū to whenua – While people come and go, the land remains
We rely on electricity to connect our hapori. But where does it come from?
In this module you’ll learn about electricity, its renewable and non-renewable sources, and how it’s generated across Aotearoa.
Illuminating electricity
Electricity is a form of energy! And, it’s one of our most used forms. Can you guess why?
At the flick of a switch, we use electrical energy to turn on the lights, charge our phones, heat our whare (houses) and keep our kai (food) cold.
Plus, it can easily transform into many other forms of energy, and be safely and efficiently moved all over Aotearoa.
Current vs static electricity
There are two main types of electricity, static and current.
Static electricity is electricity that’s gathered in one place. It’s responsible for static shocks, used to print things and helps form lightning!
Current electricity is electricity that moves from one place to another. It’s the electricity responsible for powering our homes.
You can explore current electricity for yourself by creating a basic electrical circuit.
Electrical paper circuit
An electrical circuit is simply a path for current electricity to move from one location to another. Every electrical circuit is made up of three basic things:
Activity 2.1: Paper circuits
Create an electrical circuit to test the basics of current electricity.
Ngohe 1.2: Ngā tāhiko pepa
Hangaia tētahi ara iahiko hei whakamātau i te iahiko.
The great journey of electricity
In your paper circuit, electricity went on a mini journey to light up the LED.
And to reach your whare, electricity’s journey is even more incredible. It can be broken down into three simple steps:
Poster: Journey of electricity
Poster: Te ara haere o te hiko
Generate
In this module, you’ll focus on the first step in electricity’s journey, generate – where electricity is generated from an energy source.
Energy sources
Energy sources can either be renewable, or non-renewable.
Renewable energy sources are much better for the environment. This is because they don’t emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are harmful to our planet.
The future of energy in Aotearoa
Let’s check in with Gene to discover why Aotearoa is a world leader in the use of renewable energy:
Video transcript: The future is bright
Activity 2.2: Energy sources relay
Head outside and test your knowledge on New Zealand’s incredible range of energy sources!
Ngohe 2.2: Tauwhaiwhai Puna Pūngao
E puta ki waho whakamātau ai i ō mōhiotanga ki te whānui o ngā puna pūngao o Aotearoa!
Tools down!
Mīharo. Today you:
- Shone a light on electricity
- Created a simple paper circuit
- Discovered how electricity is generated in Aotearoa
- Learned about renewable and non-renewable energy